Zarco Calls for Honda Overhaul After Disappointing San Marino GP, Urges “New Doors” for 2024 Project

Johann Zarco Expresses Disappointment with 2024 Honda Effort: "It's Ineffective, Time to Explore New Opportunities"

"The 2024 initiative falls short of expectations… it lacks competitiveness."

Before the Misano MotoGP test scheduled for Monday, Johann Zarco highlighted the importance of Honda implementing significant modifications to the existing RC213V setup.

Zarco emerged as the leading Honda competitor in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix, securing the 12th spot and finishing more than a minute behind the race victor, Marc Marquez.

A rain shower mid-race created unexpected changes in the standings, placing Zarco as the highest-ranked Honda rider in 16th position from the qualifying round. This left Luca Marini, Takaaki Nakagami, and wild-card entry Stefan Bradl at the end of the starting lineup.

An extensive set of enhancements has been promoted for Monday's trial, likely presenting the final opportunity for significant improvement this season.

"Zarco mentioned to MotoGP.com that they plan to experiment with aerodynamics and the chassis, since significant modifications are necessary to improve the bike's performance."

Currently, the 2024 project is entirely unsuccessful. It lacks competitiveness. Therefore, it's essential to pursue a different approach to unveil new opportunities.

Nakagami, who is set to transition to a test rider role in 2025, emphasized: "The test on Monday is crucial. HRC has informed us that we'll be experimenting with a new aerodynamics package."

"Certainly, there are numerous other areas that require enhancement, including the rigidity of the frame. We are lacking in several aspects. Therefore, we will endeavor to boost the bike's overall functionality."

The LCR competitors, who are currently equal in points for the 17th position and leading among Honda participants in the rankings, could be summoned for additional testing responsibilities if Repsol's teammates, Marini and Joan Mir, are unable to participate due to health issues that prevented their participation in Sunday's race.

Test rider Bradl, who was believed to be testing new components over the race weekend, withdrew from the Sprint without earning any points and finished the Grand Prix with a modest two points. However, he was at the bottom of the rankings for all other sessions.

“This weekend, we're focusing on various projects, exploring new ideas and concepts. Our goal isn't centered around the lap time," Bradl commented following the Sprint.

The points earned on Sunday, which propelled him past Marini in the rankings, came as a delightful unexpected bonus.

"Entering today's race, my expectations weren't high, but unpredictable rain showers can change everything, and having experience really matters," he remarked.

Under these circumstances, there was nothing at stake for us, and the sky didn't appear sufficiently overcast for the rainfall to persist, prompting me to stick with the slick tires. Securing the 14th position and earning some points brings me great joy, not just personally but also for the team members I collaborate with in the Test Team.

"We invest significant effort in these unpredictable situations as well as in the background, so it's truly gratifying to provide them with something they can take pleasure in."

On Sunday, Repsol declared that after three decades, it would conclude its role as the primary sponsor of the Honda factory team, effective at the close of the current season.

Following 13 out of 20 races, LCR leads Repsol Honda, yet both teams find themselves at the lower end of the overall team rankings.

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